Portable Back-Up Generators and Detecting Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Portable back-up generators powered by fossil fuels are used by many businesses and individuals to provide electricity when utility power fails or because no other source is available. These generators can help to keep critical appliances on, to power a worksite, or to keep a business open after a natural disaster.

As useful as portable back-up generators can be, they can also expose people to deadly levels of carbon monoxide (CO) if not properly used. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 85 consumers die in the United States each year from CO poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators. CPSC reports that most generator-related deaths (81%) occur in residential locations and the top three reasons for using a generator among the reported fatal incidents were weather-related power outages, power shut-offs, and attempts to provide power to temporary locations.

“Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that is extremely poisonous, potentially causing death in minutes if a person is exposed to high enough concentrations in the air they breathe,” said Jody Thomason, Vice President of Products/Corporate Purchasing for EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In addition to the fatalities, thousands of people visit emergency rooms each year due to CO poisoning. To help prevent these tragedies, there should be carbon monoxide detectors, in addition to smoke detectors, in all homes and buildings. At EMSL Analytical, we provide laboratory testing services and sampling supplies for CO and other hazardous gases. We also sell and rent air testing, monitoring and data logging instruments to help protect workers and the public from these types of airborne hazards.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about portable generators and carbon monoxide hazards that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Ju5x-S7828o

To learn more about carbon monoxide testing or other air quality services, or for access to sampling supplies and monitoring instruments, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail